All: back to the subject of the thread...

Since this was first brought to my attention last year I've been in a precarious limbo in between being retiree explicitly entitled to use my previous employers non-work related AWD - which has been attached to my Preferred Profile for decades - and the new policy.

I have rented several times over the last year at a variety of locations, both airport and off-airport. I've dreaded these encounters because as I was formerly labor, not management, I was never issued either a company email nor a business card. I don't carry the bureaucracy of my entire life with me when on vacation, nor do I think that should be expected. When I've asked ex employer benefits about this I was told, point blank: "you didn't merit an email or business card while working and you're not getting one now."

But back when I joined many car rental preferred customer programs I was issued a membership card emblazoned with my name, account number, and corporate status. I have presented this card on top of my license and credit card at the counter and have not been challenged for anything else.

I'm glad I held on to those things because I recall thinking I had lost one a few years ago and when I asked AVIS customer service to send me another I was told "we don't issue physical cards anymore."